FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string Defensively, the Falcons played much of their first-string front seven, or at least rotational players, throughout the first half. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Burrow and the first-string offensive line played two series, with the franchise quarterback going 5 of 6 for 39 yards. — CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 With Hollins and Boutte absent and Brown still on the Eagles, Doubs, Williams, Chism and Douglas received most of the first-string work at wide receiver. — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026 After years of learning the techniques of a long snapper, Olson earned a first-string spot at the position for Orange Lutheran and joined the Trojans in 2015 as a walk-on player. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

Fjord, Cristian Mungiu’s legal thriller starring podcast favorite Renate Reinsve and Sebastian Stan; Hope, an action film starring Squid Game breakout Hoyeon; and Gentle Monster, led by an excellent Léa Seydoux.

— Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
Servite 0-1 (62) The Friars lost to an excellent Centennial of Corona team, 41-21, in Rick Garretson’s first game as Servite’s head coach.

— Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Over its five-year prime mission, Roman is expected to map more than two billion galaxies and collect about 20 petabytes of science data, creating the largest panoramic surveys ever made from space.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
However, the largest drop in June occurred among prime-age workers, leaving several economists puzzled and surprised.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of prime

Adjective

To me, an important part about sports is the memories that continue for so long after the events, and these two columns by two terrific writers truly brought that home.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Loving spouses disappoint us, supportive parents fail us, close friends misunderstand us, and even terrific children create enormous stress.

— David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

From the beginning of its run in September 1992, the cartoon had built its reputation on being a stellar adaptation of the Dark Knight’s mythology.

— Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
That picture-perfect scenario, however, hinges in my mind on how fast USC’s stellar freshman class rounds into form.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of stellar

Adjective

Head baker Lou Turner (formerly pastry chef at Obelix, a French bistro in the city’s River North) churns out superb pastries that invite obsession.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
The winery is also known for superb musical performances that Paine gets through his relationship with a top tier entertainment manager.

— Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

But there may be little anyone–government or corporate–can do to persuade people to have children amid greater economic uncertainty.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
From travel dresses to a lightweight sweater, here are 14 items from Quince’s Workwear Edit that would look great on you on your next flight, starting at $20.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

Nature aside, Cape Town boasts a wonderful juxtaposition of old world architecture and contemporary design across its vibrant neighborhoods.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
Both films had wonderful ensembles, ingenious writing and an unmistakable sense of occasion.

— Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

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“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

Example Sentences

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